CAO Closing Date

The CAO closing date in South Africa for first semester programmes is 31 October for the 2024 entry year. The CAO closing date in South Africa for second semester programmes is 31 May for the 2024 entry year. The CAO closing date are as follows:

• Medicine: 30 June: No late applications are accepted.
• All other programs: 30 September.

The 2024 CAO Application form is now closed.The late closing date was 17:00 on the 1st May.The normal closing date was 17:00 on the 1st February.

An Exceptional Late Application facility opens on 5th July at 12:00 noon. This facility applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1st May in any year in any one of the participating Higher Education Institutions. The closing date for Exceptional Late Applications is 22nd July at 17:00.

5th November 2021 (12:00)CAO online application facility opens.
CAO Change of Course choices facility opens
20th January 2024 (17:00)Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30.
1st February (17:00)Normal closing date for applications.
4th February (12:00)Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 Fee)
Before 15th FebruaryPaper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
Test Window:
18th-21st February
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine
1st March (17:00)Closing date for amending course choices
Closing date for completion of mature section of application form
Closing date for final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms
Test Window:
5th-9th March
MSAP online exam – For mature applicants to certain courses in UCD, UCC, UL and NUI Galway
4th March (12:00)Late application facility opens.
15th March (17:00)Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO
Test window:
18th-23rd March
GAMSAT Test – Graduate Entry to Medicine
Registration window:
11th-26th April (13:00)
Mature Nursing Test – register for the tests at www.nmbi.ie from 13:00 on Monday, 11th April until 13:00 on Tuesday, 26th April 2024
Test window:
5th-12th May (13:00)
Mature Nursing Test – you must complete the assessment tests between 13:00 on Thursday, 5th May and 13:00 on Thursday, 12th May 2024
1st May (17:00)Closing date for late applications
5th May (12:00)Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free)
Before 15th MayLate Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
Before End of MayStatement of Application Record sent to all applicants
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
1st July (17:00)Change of Mind closes
TBC (10:00)Round A offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicants – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text
TBC (15:00)Round A acceptances closing date.
22nd July (17:00)Exceptional closing date for late applications for those already attending a participating HEI
TBC (10:00)Round 0 offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicant – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text
TBC (15:00)Round 0 acceptances closing date.
TBCCurrent year Leaving Certificate results issued
TBC (14:00)Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online – also issued by e-mail and SMS text.
Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a `Statement of Application` e-mail.
TBC (12:00)Available Place facility opens
TBC (15:00)Round 1 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 2 offers available online.
TBC (15:00)Round 2 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 3 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 3 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 4 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 4 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 5 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 5 acceptances closing date.
TBCHEIs begin registration
TBCResults of Leaving Certificate appeals released
TBCOffer Season Ends.
5th November 2024CAO application facility opens for 2025 applications

However, it is important to note that some programmes may have earlier closing dates, so it is always best to check with the CAO or the institution you are applying to.

Please note that the above dates are for applications and the fully paid administration fee. Late applications will be accepted, but a late administration fee will be charged.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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